Sternberger At Kiser Aces Program

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: STERNBERGER at KISER ACES PROGRAM Facility ID: 41002551 Consultant: JENNIFER JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2026 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 4/14/2026 Age: From 5 To 10 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 03:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Today we also reviewed the Rated License application and the ERS assessment. This facility currently operates with a four-star license as of 11/4/25. This facility has a 95% compliance score as of 4/14/26. The last visit was a temp visit on 10/21/25. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the office staff. I informed Genesis Stokes, Program Director, of the purpose of today’s visit. Ms. Stokes gave me the necessary paperwork I needed to complete today’s visit. The last fire drill was conducted 3/27/26. The last emergency drill (Lockdown) was conducted on 3/23/26. Fifty-four (54) children were present during today’s visit. I observed the indoor spaces. I observed both staff/child ratio and supervision and found both to be in compliance. During today’s visit, I observed the children arriving to the cafeteria, eating snacks, and participating in center activities. The paperwork I examined was complete. Staff and children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. The staff and training worksheets were reviewed during today’s visit. Your signature on these forms will serve as verification of the information provided is accurate and complete. A full assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit as per the attached checklist that was emailed to the provider. There was one violation cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There was an outlet in the cafeteria, near a play area, that was uncovered. The Program Coordinator corrected it during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) Because the violation was corrected during the visit, a corrective action plan is not required. I provided technical assistance regarding: Training: A. Tolbert will need 7 hours of training and M. Holland will need 2 hours of training before the end of the year. EQUiPD: The EQUiPD website has many webinar trainings that can be completed online for no cost and have been approved by NCDCDEE. https://equipdinfo.weebly.com/pre-recorded-sessions.html Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT One SACERS-U assessments were completed. The SACERS-U was completed 3/3/26, resulting in a score of 4.37. Ms. Blackmon, Child Care Consultant received the facility summary report (FSR) by email and forwarded it to Ms. Stokes. During this meeting we reviewed all items 3 points and less. You have already corrected some items and some are out of your control due to residing in a DPI public school building. There were no items on the Facility Summary Report that could be a potential violation of child care requirements. The items receiving a two or lower included: #25 Science/Nature Activities and #37 Free Choice Activities. We discussed both items. Ms. Stokes indicated that she has recently received more science and nature items. Ms. Stokes also indicated that children are never required to participate in any planned activity, however, this was not communicated to the children during the SACERS visit. Staff Education: An Administrator, Program Coordinator and 3 Group Leaders were included on the Staff Information and Education Form (attached) The center appears eligible for the Five Star level in staff education. ERS score: The total average ERS score of 4.37 The center appears eligible for the Four Star level. See attached FSR reports. Family and Community Engagement Standards: The facility met all foundational practices and two additional choices: Two-way communication with families and two family events annually. See attached. The center appears eligible for the Three Star Level in Family and Community Engagement Standards. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan: The facility completed a CQI plan for both the facility and individual staff members. See the attached Facility CQI plan. This center may qualify for a Three Star License. This will result in a reduction of stars from Four Stars to Three Stars. Guilford County Schools has made the decision to license all their ACES school-age programs at a Three Star Level. This allows consistency across their programs. Attached please find the Reduction in Stars Memo. The Administration of the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education must approve this assessment prior to issuance of the license. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest childcare/early education information at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. You were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of child care requirements. Thank you for your time and please email me at jen.jones@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions or concerns. For additional questions, contact Meg Riddle, Licensing Supervisor, at meg.riddle@dhhs.nc.go If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: STERNBERGER at KISER ACES PROGRAM Facility ID: 41002551 Consultant: JENNIFER JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2026 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 4/14/2026 Age: From 5 To 10 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 03:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Today we also reviewed the Rated License application and the ERS assessment. This facility currently operates with a four-star license as of 11/4/25. This facility has a 95% compliance score as of 4/14/26. The last visit was a temp visit on 10/21/25. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the office staff. I informed Genesis Stokes, Program Director, of the purpose of today’s visit. Ms. Stokes gave me the necessary paperwork I needed to complete today’s visit. The last fire drill was conducted 3/27/26. The last emergency drill (Lockdown) was conducted on 3/23/26. Fifty-four (54) children were present during today’s visit. I observed the indoor spaces. I observed both staff/child ratio and supervision and found both to be in compliance. During today’s visit, I observed the children arriving to the cafeteria, eating snacks, and participating in center activities. The paperwork I examined was complete. Staff and children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. The staff and training worksheets were reviewed during today’s visit. Your signature on these forms will serve as verification of the information provided is accurate and complete. A full assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit as per the attached checklist that was emailed to the provider. There was one violation cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There was an outlet in the cafeteria, near a play area, that was uncovered. The Program Coordinator corrected it during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) Because the violation was corrected during the visit, a corrective action plan is not required. I provided technical assistance regarding: Training: A. Tolbert will need 7 hours of training and M. Holland will need 2 hours of training before the end of the year. EQUiPD: The EQUiPD website has many webinar trainings that can be completed online for no cost and have been approved by NCDCDEE. https://equipdinfo.weebly.com/pre-recorded-sessions.html Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT One SACERS-U assessments were completed. The SACERS-U was completed 3/3/26, resulting in a score of 4.37. Ms. Blackmon, Child Care Consultant received the facility summary report (FSR) by email and forwarded it to Ms. Stokes. During this meeting we reviewed all items 3 points and less. You have already corrected some items and some are out of your control due to residing in a DPI public school building. There were no items on the Facility Summary Report that could be a potential violation of child care requirements. The items receiving a two or lower included: #25 Science/Nature Activities and #37 Free Choice Activities. We discussed both items. Ms. Stokes indicated that she has recently received more science and nature items. Ms. Stokes also indicated that children are never required to participate in any planned activity, however, this was not communicated to the children during the SACERS visit. Staff Education: An Administrator, Program Coordinator and 3 Group Leaders were included on the Staff Information and Education Form (attached) The center appears eligible for the Five Star level in staff education. ERS score: The total average ERS score of 4.37 The center appears eligible for the Four Star level. See attached FSR reports. Family and Community Engagement Standards: The facility met all foundational practices and two additional choices: Two-way communication with families and two family events annually. See attached. The center appears eligible for the Three Star Level in Family and Community Engagement Standards. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan: The facility completed a CQI plan for both the facility and individual staff members. See the attached Facility CQI plan. This center may qualify for a Three Star License. This will result in a reduction of stars from Four Stars to Three Stars. Guilford County Schools has made the decision to license all their ACES school-age programs at a Three Star Level. This allows consistency across their programs. Attached please find the Reduction in Stars Memo. The Administration of the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education must approve this assessment prior to issuance of the license. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest childcare/early education information at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. You were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of child care requirements. Thank you for your time and please email me at jen.jones@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions or concerns. For additional questions, contact Meg Riddle, Licensing Supervisor, at meg.riddle@dhhs.nc.go If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times